Aaron Judge named AL Rookie of the Year in Sporting News poll of current players

New York Yankees breakout sensation Aaron Judge has earned Sporting News' Rookie of the Year honor, after 138 of 140 American League players polled cast their votes for the Bombers' colossal slugger.

Judge, 25, led the AL with 52 home runs, 128 runs and 127 walks, and also provided superb defense as an everyday right fielder, finishing the year with nine defensive runs saved (DRS), good for fifth-best in the majors.

Boston's Andrew Benintendi and Houston's Yulieski Gurriel also received one vote apiece in the ROY poll, but Judge's sweeping victory illustrates just how convincing his rookie campaign was.

By the All-Star break, Judge had already broken Joe DiMaggio's Yankees rookie home run record of 29, set back in 1936. By season's end, Judge had surpassed Mark McGwire's previous all-time rookie record of 49. In between, Judge dominated the 2017 Home Run Derby, bringing home the crown from Marlins Park in Miami.

Judge's year wasn't without its struggles, however. He also was MLB's leader in strikeouts, with 208, but as has been the case throughout his career, Judge has found a way to adjust to new challenges at every level.

What cemented Judge as the AL's top overall rookie was his sensation month of September, which saw the 6-foot-7 behemoth slash .311/.463/.889 with 15 homers, 32 RBI and 28 more free passes. Of his 28 hits that month, 22 went for extra bases.

Amid his unprecedented year, Judge handled the media spotlight with a veteran-like poise and a team-first mentality, always being careful to focus attention during postgame interviews toward his teammates and their efforts.

While the Yankees' mantra of "25 guys pulling the same rope" echoed throughout the clubhouse all season long, Judge's contributions to the precocious success of his team were undeniable.

Major League Baseball's year-end awards won't be revealed until well after the World Series concludes, but as the Sporting News' findings confirm, the AL hardware is Aaron Judge's to lose.